A WARM WELCOME

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLVII, Issue 10826, 22 January 1927, Page 8

A WARM WELCOME

ROYAL VISITORS IN JAMAICA. DEMONSTRATIONS OF LOYALTY. (Per Press Association—Copyright). KINGSTON (Jamaica), Jan. 20. Kingston on the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of York left no doubt of its enthusiastic loyalty to the Throne. A public holiday bad been proclaimed, the Government even prohibiting the newspapers from publishing. EveryDedy seemed abroad when their Royal Highnesses landed after lunch in the ltoyal barge. Cheering commenced as soon as the barge was sighted, and rose to a roar when it came alongside the jetty, where the visitors were received by the Governor and Lady Stubbs, the Chief Justice, the Bishop, the Alayor, the Vice-Admiral, the Officer Commanding the Troops, members of the 'Legislative Council, and other dignitaries. The Duke of York, dressed in naval uniform, inspected the guard of honour. Their Royal Highnesses, followed by the Governors and others, drove through the flag-festooned streets between hat-waving, cheering crowds, while black faces with flashing teeth contrasted strangely with the infrequent sight of English and Americans, the cordiality of whose welcome was no less vocal. During the drive the Duke and Duchess stopped twice to lie welcomed by a great gathering of 10,000 elementary school children, waving flags and shrilly singing the National Anthem. The Duke and Duchess of York's acknowledgment completed tlie happiness _of mothers and fathers proudly watching the scene. On reaching the theatre, the Duke inspected the Naval guard of honour to the accompaniment of another great roar of cheering from the assembled thousands. ’ Responding to addresses in the theatre, winch were presented by Mr Jeff (Colonial Secretary) on behalf of the island, and by the Mayor (Mr Dacosta) bn behalf of the town, in caskets of Jamaican wood, the Duke of York said the loyal sentiments would lie presented to his Majesty. He felt lie was not a stranger, because he would always retain the happiest memories of his first visit to tlie island in 1913, as a naval cadet, when lie was shown generous hospitality in Jamaica, one of the oldest and most interesting outposts of the Empire. There existed in England a genuine desire to understand and know the needs of those dwelling overseas. The splendid part that Jamaicans played in the war was not forgotten. The Duke promised that upon his return would do everything possible to promote the interest of the Islanders, and foster a spirit of understanding in the Mother Country. The daughter of the Governor presented to the Duchess a bouquet of orchids harmonising with her beautiful dress of bois de rose orepe de chine. Their Royal Highnesses had a rousing sepd-off when leaving for the Governor’s residence, where the Duchess inspected Girl Guides and the Duke played tennis. Afterwards the official dinner took place, followed by the Governor’s reception, at which 2000 were presented.